Nov 15th, Three for Thursday, Utility Vest

Welcome to another edition of Three for Thursday, where I show 1 item worn 3 ways!

Today I am highlighting my utility vest.

I first saw this vest all over style blogs last summer. I immediately drove to my local Old Navy and snatched one up! It is a fun piece to have, and I continue to see women wearing it, so this trend is going to be around for a while.

My first look I have paired the vest with jeans, a striped shirt and a scarf. This look is super casual, easy and fun. Don’t be afraid to mix a striped shirt with a floral pattern scarf. Pattern mixing is another trend that is here to stay. Quick note about my scarf- please make sure you buy scarves that are large and have some bulk to them. A scrawny scarf will not look cute, instead it will look like you are trying to hard- and missing the mark.

This scarf is one of my favorites! I love the floral pattern!

My next look is a fun one- I decided to pair the rugged vest with a dainty lace shirt. To add a little more  interest I chose my red jeans and my Tory Burch flats. I think a necklace might be the perfect final touch!

Contrasting the feminine lace top and the rugged vest is a fun way to mix things up.

My last look is one you’ve probably seen me do before (and will see a different version of next week).  Here I have layered my vest over a dress. It’s a fun way to make a dress casual enough for day use (you could wear this anywhere!). To keep warm, I have on socks and boots. To add a little color and interest, I chose my Stella and Dot statement necklace.

I love this necklace, but not sure it’s totally right for this look… hmmm…

Top Picture: Jeans: Nordstrom, Shirt: J Crew, Vest: Old Navy, Scarf: Boutique in Yakima, WA

Middle Picture: Jeans: TJMaxx, Lace shirt: Madewell, Vest: Old Navy, Shoes: Nordstrom

Bottom Picture: Dress: Land’s End, Boots: DSW, Necklace: Stella and Dot

Nov 9th, Inspired by Pinterest (Again!)

I had so much fun copying a look (seen here) from Pinterest a few weeks ago- that I decided to try it again today.

I bought this sequin tunic a few years ago for a trip to Vegas, and I haven’t worn it since (luckily I found it at Marshalls, so it was not expensive).

Still- I’d like to wear it again… but was never sure how?

Part of my concern was that I thought sequins were too fancy for day wear… but according to Pinterest- not so!

They claim you can wear sequins anytime… so here I am trying it under a yellow blazer.

In the Pinterest picture she has paired hers with torn boyfriend jeans- since I’m working today, I have chosen my dark skinny jeans instead. Her blazer looks like it might be velvet, mine is plain old cotton… and while she is barefoot, I’ve chosen my Tory Burch snakeskin flats.

I really like this outfit- because it is something I would have NEVER put together on my own- so thank you Pinterest for inspiring me!

Below I am showing my sequin tunic all alone- looking at the photo you can tell it’s really too big for me. I tried to tuck it in in the pictures above, but a shorter length top would definitely work better.

And, truth be told- all alone it doesn’t look very flattering- again, probably because it’s too big! Note to self- don’t buy clothes that don’t fit (I know this seems obvious, but sometimes I am so excited to find a great deal that I think I can make it work. Not so!)

I look pregnant! I’m not, I swear!

I figured this top doesn’t need any necklace- I let the sequins get all the attention!

Jeans: Anthropologie, Blazer: Nordstroms, Tunic: Marshalls, Shoes: Nordstrom

Sept 27th, Yep- It’s Madewell

Have you heard of Madewell?

It’s a cousin to J Crew- yet has a little more edgy side to it- it’s not quite as preppy.

It kind of reminds me of what we wore in college… flannels, denim shirts, chunky sweaters… yet with a modern take  (meaning don’t be pulling your college flannels out of your closet and thinking no one will notice!).

I went into Madewell last week with a friend to show her their fabulous skinny jeans. These jeans are truly like wearing sweat pants- the cotton is the softest I have ever worn- they are sublime.

While I was there I spotted this cute little lace top. I didn’t even try it on- just grabbed it knowing it would find a home in my closet. I love the texture of the lace- love that it isn’t too fussy or dressy- and love that it can be worn under practically anything.

Today I’ve paired it with my skinny jeans and a dark gray cable knit sweater. I like the juxtaposition of the ladylike lace with the chunky cardigan. I then added my favorite Tory Burch flats- the colors in the shoes reflect both the cream top and the cardigan perfectly. To finish it off, I threw on my pearls.

If you are going to try lace- be careful that you don’t look dated- or slutty.

I had a little fun finding a before picture (gotta love Pinterest). I’m not trying to be mean- but this outfit above right is not working for me. The sheer lace top is too revealing, the bell sleeves are dated, and this light denim pleated skirt is awful.

The next before picture (again, thanks Pinterest) is what I call the slutty look- the title under the picture was ‘nasty gal’. That about sums it up!

My jeans are a very dark denim wash- but they are blue (hard to tell in my bathroom lighting). The cardigan is a charcoal gray.

Sept 25th, Right On, Target!

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again- I LOVE Target! Whoever is their buyer is a genius!

Today’s outfit is a good example of that!

I have been wanting a pair of purple skinny jeans for a long time- and even went so far as to buy a pair last year from Anthropologie, but after a little hemming and hawing decided they were too pricey for my budget and I returned them.

Then, this year I spotted a pair in the exact same color at Target! Woot Hoot! I quickly snapped them up- and have enjoyed having this trendy addition to my wardrobe.

Let me take a minute to say that although these are ‘technically’ skinny jeans- they are anything but.

They are actually called curvy skinny- which is perfect for gals like me who are wide in the hips and narrow in the waist. They are not too tight at all- and have plenty of bend and stretch to make them comfortable. I will say, I do have to belt the waist, but I am planning on having the waist taken in and having the length shortened by my tailor.

Speaking of skinny jeans, I read a hilarious blog article on them- and while it made me laugh out loud- it also made me realize that many people are terrified of skinny jeans.

I’m hear to tell you that not all skinny jeans are the same. The truly comfy ones have lots of stretch in them. Before you totally discount skinny jeans- try on lots of different pairs-in lots of different brands- and lots of different sizes!  You may surprise yourself!

As for my top- this cape/ sweater is made by Converse. I saw it and knew I had to have it! I love the flowy style- love the gray (goes with everything color) and thought I can easily wear that top about 5 different ways- so I snapped it up as well. That is one of my rules for shopping, I won’t buy anything unless I know about 3-5 ways to wear it!

A quick note about my before picture- I am wearing a grey fleece, the purple jeans and my awful tennis shoes! Let me say that the top on the left is as comfy as the fleece- and oh- so- much more stylish! The Tory Burch flats bring a bit of designer style to the entire look and my necklace with the purple stones polishes the whole look off!

Linking to prettyshinysparkly for her Oxblood Link Up Party!

Sept 14th, Oh Yes You Can!

No, this isn’t an Obama rally cry- I’m referring to wearing white jeans after labor day.

Old school style mavens will tell you that it’s against the ‘rules’. Well, I’m here to tell you that those are outdated rules and white looks gorgeous all year long.

One of my favorite ways to wear white is with other neutral colors. I just think there is something so classic about this look.

Today I’ve chosen a cream tank and layered this open weave sweater (in the same tone) over the top.

Take a look at my outfit on the left compared to the right.

I’m wearing the exact same sweater in both pictures (duh!), but on the left I’ve paired it with these cute cropped white jeans- as opposed to the bootcut pair on the right. I’ve then swapped out my dark, boring boots for these cute ballet flats in the same tone as my sweater.

By simply changing the cut of the jeans- and shoes- I have totally changed the entire look. To follow my rule of 3, I’ve added a necklace.

A quick note about this outfit: by pairing J Crew jeans & Tory Burch shoes I am able to throw in this Target sweater and yet still have my outfit look ‘expensive’!

Keep in mind, if you are nervous about wearing white- go for a creamy white, or even an off white.

It’s Fashion Friday, so I’m linking up with All Things Chic today! Be sure to check it out!

Feb 10th, Jet Setter

 I have a very early flight to sunny  southern California today, so I’m showing what I am wearing on the plane.

To me, comfort is key- but I also don’t want to look like I’m in sweats or my pj’s (I’ve actually seen adults wearing pj’s on planes!)

Instead of sloppy sweats, I’ve chosen comfy leggings. To be honest, I resisted leggings for a long time- thinking I am way too old to be wearing them.

I remember when they were popular in the early 80’s (thank you Madonna). I figured that since I wore them the first time around I should probably resist the second.

So, that being said- I don’t wear them a ton- but when I do- boy are they comfy. For my top I’ve chosen this loose tunic. As with the skinny jeans, with leggings it is VERY important that your shirt hangs down way below your bum. It can’t just graze the butt- it needs to be full coverage. Trust me.

I’m showing my original look on the right- and then on the left I’m showing how by adding just a few pieces I turned this boring outfit into something more interesting. Plus, having layers on an airplane is essential.

Don’t forget to click the ‘vote for us’ button on the right! Just 1 simple click each day keeps me in the running. Thanks! 🙂

I use my largest purse as my carryon- it fits my laptop, magazines and everything else!

I’ve hooked up with Girlmama for Fashion Friday. Check it out!

Leggings: Nordstrom, Shoes: Nordstrom, Tunic: H&M, Scarf: Gift, Cardigan: Standard Boutique (Kansas City)

Jan 5th, Shades of Gray

 One thing I learned in my 30 for 30 project is that I wear my blue jeans A LOT! So in an attempt to change things up a bit, today I am wearing my gray cords.

To be honest, I have a really hard time with these pants.  When I bought them I thought I’d wear them all the time, but actually I’m never exactly sure what to wear them with.

As you can see from the photo on the right, white is always an option… but BORING!

After searching my closet for a long time, I decided to try something I’ve seen other gals do- pairing two similar colors together- but in different shades.

I found this light gray tunic and decided to give it a try.  I like it, but I thought I might need a little color (especially with the gray skies in Seattle), so I threw this purple ribbed cardigan over the t shirt.

To tie the whole look together (and follow my rule of 3) I added this necklace.

As for my feet- this is also a constant struggle for me. I’m not sure what to wear with skinny pants. The ultra glamorous would wear stilletos- but seriously- that is SO not me.

I love boots with skinny jeans/ pants, but I’m tired of wearing my black boots every day- so my only option was my Tory Burch ballet flats. What would you have worn?

I actually like the longer shirt hanging below the cardigan. I think it is interesting...

Pants: Banana Republic, Tunic: H&M, Cardigan: Nordstroms, Shoes: Nordstroms

Dec 17th, 30 for 30- Day 17

I’m back in Seattle, and planning on spending the entire day getting ready for a party we are hosting tonight at my house.

I need clothes that are functional, cute and easy to cook/ clean in- so I’d like to be wearing my Birkenstocks and sweatpants.

But, since I have a friend coming over to help me, and I do have to run a few errands, I’m going to put a little effort into my look.

I’ve chosen my skinny black pants- these are like wearing sweatpants, they are very comfy! I’ve added a tank top- and then thrown on my denim jacket for warmth. Since I’ll be on my feet all day I’m wearing flats… and truth be told, while I’m home- I will be wearing my Birks. They are just so comfy!

Have a great Saturday…

This shimmery tank gets 'dressed down' with the addition of the denim jacket.

Pants: Gap, Tank: French Connection, Shoes: Nordstrom, Jacket: Old Navy

Dec 3rd, 30 for 30 Day 3

Weekend wear! I’m planning on spending most of the day lounging around the house- so ideally I wouldn’t even get dressed- I’d hang out in jammies all day! Sounds heavenly.

But, my son has a basketball game, so that’s not going to work!

I decided to go with an outfit that feels as comfy as jammies- these cream cords are amazingly soft, stretchy and warm. Perfect!

On top I’ve put on this utlra comfy (loose fitting) striped shirt. To keep warm, and add a little color. I threw on my denim jacket.

As for my feet- I want to take a minute to answer a question a reader emailed! She also lives in Seattle and wondered if my feet get cold when I go without socks.

The truthful answer is that yes, if I’m outside my feet do get cold. But, when I know I’ll be mostly inside- I’m fine. Especially if the rest of me is warm!

So there you go… enjoy your weekend!